How we’re helping businesses turn to pedal power
Coffee business owner, Allan Rudolf, tells us how his e-cargo bike has improved the way his business works. Having a ready-to-go coffee stall on wheels is making life a lot easier as he takes his delicious coffee to farmers’ markets and festivals in the south east.
Switching to an e-cargo bike
En’route Coffee have made the switch from using vans to an e-cargo bike to trade at London markets. Not only does the bike solve transportation issues, but it converts into the coffee stall itself.
Allan previously had three coffee vans which he had to tow to sites using his car. This wasn’t ideal, because of the additional time, emissions and planning considerations needed when using vans. So the idea of an e-cargo was the answer – hassle-free, clean transport. But cost is always an issue to consider, especially for small businesses.
Allan said: “Buying an e-cargo bike was something I had thought about, but they are expensive so I had to consider the pros and the cons before committing to buying one.
I wanted to find a convenient way of having a mobile coffee machine. I have used vans, but I was after something that’s more environmentally-friendly.
“I had seen a London Green Cycles advert for e-cargo bikes. I spoke to the really helpful team at the shop and found the perfect bike for the business.
“My vision was to put a coffee machine on top of the bike with a bean grinder, ready to provide customers with a beautiful cup of fresh coffee while out on the road.
“Joe at London Green Cycles recommended I get in touch with MP Smarter Travel to help with financing the bike purchase.
Parcels Not Pollution
“The money we were able to access through Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s Parcels Not Pollution scheme meant that buying our own e-cargo bike became a realistic proposition for us.
“We chose the wonderful Christiania Long Box.
How MP Smarter Travel helped me
“MP Smarter Travel took a load off my shoulders by helping with the liaising with the council and completing the paperwork so I was able to buy the bike. They helped me get 50% of the purchase cost back. That is huge for a small business like En’route.
We love our e-cargo bike
“Everyone at En’route Coffee loves the bike. We’ve found it saves us time, money and emissions. Often, journeys and set-up are quicker than when we used vans. You don’t have to worry about parking so it’s less stressful too. It’s great to ride and I love the look of it too.”
Contact
Get in touch with us at MP Smarter Travel if you’d like support with accessing funding to help you buy your business an e-cargo bike for a greener, healthier future: info@mpsmartertravel.co.uk